The Rev. Dr. Paul Luther Brndjar

The Reverend Doctor Paul Luther Brndjar died on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at his home in Lower Macungie Twp. Born in Danbury, CT, the son of Rev. Andrew and Irene (Belohlavek) Brndjar, he attended elementary and high school there. He was a graduate of Wagner College, Staten Island in 1967 and from Yale Divinity School in 1970, being ordained as a Lutheran pastor in May of that year. He was married to Pamela (nee Altemus) in 1967, who survives him along with his children, Mark (married to Teresa), Elisabeth, and Leah (married to Christian Sanje), and four grandsons, Andrew, Christopher, Noah and Caleb. A brother, John, pre-deceased him. Sisters, Judith, Irene, Darina, and sister-in-law Elizabeth survive him.
Pastor Brndjar's ministry of over 50 years included the parish of Zion Lutheran Church, Garfield, NJ for over 26 years as well as serving for several years as Bishop of Slovak Zion Synod of the Lutheran Church of America, and also as Director of its department for Church in Society of the Lutheran Church in America. During his long ministry, Pastor Brndjar developed a close relationship with the Lutheran Church in Slovakia both during and after the communist era. Early work there began in the 1970's and continued past the year 2000. In semi-retirement, he served the Lutheran Seminary of Philadelphia (now the United Lutheran Seminary) for several years in its Resource Development Department and did weekend ministry in New Jersey and Pennsylvania congregations.
His personal interests revolved primarily around his family, his parishioners, and his colleagues. He was a voracious reader, though only a mediocre tennis player.
Family and friends are invited to his Memorial Service on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11 am, at The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 3461 South Cedar Crest Blvd, Emmaus, PA. A repast will be held immediately following the memorial service at the church. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com. Arrangements are by the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc.-Hellertown
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rev. Dr. Paul L. Brndjar's name to: The ELCA World Hunger Appeal, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and/or Lutheran World Relief, all care of the funeral home, 326 Main Street, Hellertown, PA 18055.